FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hull cleaning is a marine growth removal process that encompasses all wetted surfaces, running gear, and thru hulls to ensure your vessel's optimal performance. Additionally, our team of experienced divers inspect your vessel's paint condition and anodes to ensure they are in good condition. We are in the business of maintaining healthy boats so, we offer this service on a monthly basis.

Hull cleaning frequency is determined by a variety of factors including water currents, how often the boat is used, levels of rainfall, and the state of the paint. In the warm waters of Jacksonville, it's generally recommended to clean hulls at least once every four weeks. During the warmest months, this frequency may need to increase to every two weeks to maintain optimal performance.

The time required for hull cleaning can vary depending on the size of the vessel and the level of fouling. On average, a typical hull cleaning session can take a 1 – 2 hours.

Yes, regular hull cleaning can significantly improve fuel efficiency. A clean hull reduces drag, allowing the boat to move through the water with less resistance, which ultimately leads to fuel savings. A clean hull can increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 15% or more depending on how much growth was built up. Some boats may not even be able to get on plane with a dirty hull.

Yes. We take a preservation-first approach to bottom paint.

When possible, we avoid abrasive pads and instead use hand blades to carefully shave growth from the paint surface. Blading allows us to remove growth cleanly without grinding away the paint itself, which helps preserve the antifouling layer and extend the life of your bottom paint.

Abrasive pads are used only when necessary and with appropriate pressure. Overusing pads can accelerate paint loss and lead to more frequent repainting. Our method focuses on maintaining performance and protection rather than aggressively scrubbing for cosmetic uniformity.

The result is a clean, efficient hull with less paint wear over time.

No. As long as the vessel is accessible and the marina allows in-water cleaning, you do not need to be present.

Most cleanings are completed while owners are away. If we notice anything that needs attention, we’ll let you know.

Waterline Stain Removal is an advanced cleaning service specifically designed for tackling tough stains around your vessel's waterline. While our standard service efficiently removes marine growth at the waterline, this additional service goes a step further to address stubborn stains that can accumulate from neglected maintenance or incorrect placement of the bottom paint water line.

Over time, boats often develop unsightly stains at the waterline due to various factors like algae, mineral deposits, and tannin stains. These stains can be challenging to remove and may require extra effort and specialized cleaning agents. Our Waterline Stain Removal Service employs a combination of high-quality, marine-safe cleaning products and expert techniques to effectively eliminate these tough stains, restoring the aesthetic appeal of your vessel.

Regular maintenance of sacrificial anodes (commonly called zincs) on a boat is crucial in preventing expensive electrolytic and galvanic corrosion. These anodes often made of zinc, magnesium, or aluminum are designed to corrode preferentially. This process protects vital metal components of your boat from corrosion. The sacrificial process is essential because it prevents more noble metals on your boat like steel or bronze from corroding due to electrolytic reactions in water, especially saltwater. Without regular checks and replacements of these anodes, your boat can suffer significant damage from corrosion. This can lead to costly repairs, sometimes in just a matter of weeks. It's a small step in maintenance that can save you from huge repair bills and extend the life of your boat's essential components. Keeping an eye on these anodes and changing them when necessary is a key aspect of responsible boat ownership and maintenance.

The rate at which anodes deteriorate is influenced by various factors, including salinity, water temperature, and the condition of neighboring boats. Under typical conditions, anodes last at least six months, but this can change rapidly if issues arise. As an integral part of our hull cleaning service, we inspect these anodes on every dive. Whenever we find that the anodes have less than 50% remaining, or if we're uncertain about their ability to protect your boat until the next dive, we'll replace them for you. This proactive approach ensures your boat is always protected, safeguarding your valuable running gear from potential damage.

A corrosion reference survey measures the electrical potential of your boat’s underwater metals using a reference electrode. This helps identify whether your anodes are providing proper protection or if there’s an increased risk of corrosion from stray current or galvanic activity.

The survey provides a snapshot of your boat’s corrosion environment at the time of testing and can help catch issues early before damage becomes visible.